Providing Comprehensive Spine Care

It is easy to understand why back pain is a common complaint. The spine is a narrow column of small bones, called vertebrae, separated by disks for cushioning and protection. That column of bones and the surrounding muscles and ligaments support the bulk of the body's weight in the trunk and upper body and protects the nerves that connect the brain to the arms and legs.

It is not surprising that the center of choice for the treatment of complex spinal conditions is Penn Medicine. Penn is a regional and national leader in spine care and the Penn Neurosurgical Spine Center team uses the latest advances in technology and surgical techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes for spine patients.

“Penn has a multifaceted spine program,” said William C. Welch, MD, professor of neurosurgery and chief of neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospital. “We have taken our program to the next level and are performing spinal procedures that are not being done anyplace else. We continue to look for minimally invasive approaches to spine surgery, such as endoscopic and laser procedures. We are also researching the possibilities of robotic-assisted spinal surgery.”

The Penn Neurosurgical Spine Center offers comprehensive care, but employs a conservative approach to treatment. Every patient is carefully evaluated in order to make a precise diagnosis. Once the source of the symptoms is identified, the team determines whether or not patients are candidates for surgery. The treatment team may include neurologists, rheumatologists, radiologists, pain medicine specialists, rehabilitation specialists and physical therapists. This collaborative team approach ensures that all surgical and nonsurgical options are considered.

“This is a comprehensive program and we manage all aspects of spinal care,” said Dr. Welch. “We have the experience and the knowledge and we expect the best possible outcomes for all of our patients.”